Hi! I'm fairly new to the Wheat Belly way of life, too! I've been wheat/grain free for three weeks (tomorrow) and have seen a real difference, especially around my mid section. I don't weigh very often because I have lupus and there's no way to account for extra poundage due to inflammation but I do take measurements. I've lost 3 1/4" in my abdomen! WOOHOO! But mostly, I feel so much better!

The main advice I have for starting this diet is be prepared to menu plan and do 99% of your eating at home. You can't count on restaurants to keep you safe from cross contamination and wheat is in A LOT of stuff. The biggest obstacle I've faced is "sneaky" wheat. I read ALL ingredients on everything I pick up at the store. It won't always say "wheat" in the ingredients so read up on the code words to look for (Maltodextrose, dextrose, gluten, etc.). Also, be aware of SUGAR. Try to get rid of all added sugars and definitely be diligent about not replacing wheat/grain with super starchy veggies (potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc.) and super sugary fruits (citrus, bananas, grapes, peaches, anything "juicy", etc.). I eat a peach or a pear before I work out in the mornings and a second SMALL serving (read, 1 cup or less) of berries (low in sugar and starch) for a small afternoon pick me up. At dinner try to eat only lean proteins and high fiber vegetables. You don't want to go to bed and be completely sedentary while you sleep for 8 hours with very many carbs in your belly (it'll turn right to fat if you can burn it up with activity).

Stay strong and be deliberate in your food choices. Remember, it takes 4-6 weeks to completely detox. Whenever I get a serious craving I go for a walk or take a book and go to a park and remove myself from places I could grab something naughty! Also, make sure you're getting exercise! You can't expect results without moving your body.

Let me know if you need support! That's been the most important thing for me so far.

Look for the other Wheat Free topic boards - lots of help there too.

Wheat reduced (won't say free because I do CHOOSE to eat wheat on rare occasions - mom's cookies when I visit, grandson's Birthday cupcake) but I really try hard to avoid wheat in anything I make, eat out or shop for! Since June 21 - down 22#s with little added excercise. It is not as difficult as you may think after the first week or two.

Besides the weight - the general health improvements are worth EVEN MORE!!!!

wheat free today.